High End Luxury Cars

24700 messages, Last post on Dec 01, 2009 at 12:24 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Jaguar XJ-Series, Lexus LS 460, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Volkswagen Phaeton, Maserati Quattroporte, Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, Sedan

Let's try to define this forum as being limited to luxury performance vehicles where the mainstream version in a typical configuration has an MSRP of at least $60k.

A luxury vehicle with a base price of $59k qualifies because it would typically be bought with some additional equipment, bringing the MSRP over $60k.

Vehicles like the E, 5, A6, M, or GS, even if available in certain versions over $60k, don't qualify because they are cars from companies that have higher end cars in their lineups.

Outline

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#24405 of 24700 Re: Lexus gets it right [gteach26] by tagman Apr 06, 2007 (8:35 am)
Replying to: gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 7:56 am) The seats don't fold flat -- even on this new version. The design seems to have been improved through. The seats fold up electronically and are locked in position on the sides -- they almost seem like part of the sides of the truck when folded up-- very unobtrusive, but still not completely hidden for 100% cargo usage. I can't understand why they can't redesign the suspension somehow to make 'em fold flat like other SUV makers have been able to do. My best guess is that this new LX570 is not based on the Toyota Land Cruiser. My best guess at this point is that the new Land Cruiser and this LX570 are both based on the freakin SEQUOIA! And that would explain why the LX570 LOOKS like a dressed up Sequoia, and why the seats still don't fold flat. The motorized assistance for those seats, however is a BIG plus, IMO, and for the most part makes them functional. So, I must give credit to TMC for at least realizing that they were a pain in the ass to deal with manually. That is definately a good move. The interior shots look terrific, IMO, as I mentioned to LG. But that exterior... well, let's just say that it's an improvement over the last generation, and it looks OK, but nothing to get too excited about. Overall, it appears to be an improvement inside and out, from what I can tell from the photo gallery. So... I would expect it to be a success story. The LS600hL's powertrain would be a good thing for this SUV, IMO, and it wouldn't surprise me to see an LX600h in the near future. That would almost be a necessity to compete with the Mercedes BlueTec Vision GL which will feature a monster-sized diesel. BTW, the GL has motorized third-row seats that fold flat, as they should. The Mercedes BlueTec Vision GL is the one I'm watching out for. I expect to leave a deposit at the Mercedes dealership for one in the near future, as I think they will sell out quickly. Thanks for the link! TagMan Replies to this message: houdini1 (Apr 06, 2007 12:47 pm) tagman (Apr 06, 2007 12:52 pm)
#24406 of 24700 LX570 third row by syswei Apr 06, 2007 (8:40 am)
I believe the reason that it doesn't fold into the floor is that doing so would require a change to a rear independent suspension, which in Toyota/Lexus' view would compromise the off-road-worthiness of the vehicle.
#24407 of 24700 If you look at the vehicles with fold-flat 3rd rows, by drfill Apr 06, 2007 (9:03 am)
VERY few have a real rear end frame, most are unibody type designs. Tahoe has similar issues, I believe. Power 2nd and 3rd row seats should placate the masses. Comparing an Expedition to a Lexus/Land Cruiser is......something. Having sold an Expedition or two, you get what you pay for. DrFill Replies to this message: gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 12:58 pm) tagman (Apr 06, 2007 1:41 pm) gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 2:06 pm) blkhemi (Apr 06, 2007 4:10 pm) brightness04 (Apr 06, 2007 5:13 pm) and 49 more...
#24408 of 24700 Re: Lexus gets it right [tagman] by houdini1 Apr 06, 2007 (12:47 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Apr 06, 2007 8:35 am) My guess is the Sequoia also. I hope we are wrong and it is all new. The exterior sure looks like the Sequoia though. Does anyone know for sure? Replies to this message: tagman (Apr 06, 2007 12:52 pm)
#24409 of 24700 Re: Lexus gets it right [houdini1] by tagman Apr 06, 2007 (12:52 pm)
Replying to: houdini1 (Apr 06, 2007 12:47 pm) Sounds like you and I are on the same page... It sure looks like a Sequoia. TagMan
#24410 of 24700 Re: If you look at the vehicles with fold-flat 3rd rows, [drfill] by gteach26 Apr 06, 2007 (12:58 pm)
Replying to: drfill (Apr 06, 2007 9:03 am) Realistically, the LX seems more like a 2/3/2 seater, even though they say it can carry 8 passengers. Gotta have three tiny passengers in the back to make that happen, I think. The Tahoe's, Yukon Denali's, and Escalade's of the world have the same third row set up where they don't fold flat. Also, of course it's not fair to compare a 70K LX to a 35K Expedition -- different leagues. It's just that every time I splurge on a high-end truck or car I feel sorta guilty -- I could have bought a more "reasonable alternative" and used those extra funds for more charitable pursuits besides myself. I wonder if anyone else in here feels the same twinge of guilt when plopping 60K plus on a HELC. Perhaps I just need a good therapist.... Replies to this message: tagman (Apr 06, 2007 1:41 pm) gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 2:06 pm) blkhemi (Apr 06, 2007 4:10 pm) brightness04 (Apr 06, 2007 5:13 pm) tagman (Apr 06, 2007 6:32 pm) and 48 more...
#24411 of 24700 Re: If you look at the vehicles with fold-flat 3rd rows, [gteach26] by tagman Apr 06, 2007 (1:41 pm)
Replying to: gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 12:58 pm) The Tahoe's, Yukon Denali's, and Escalade's of the world have the same third row set up where they don't fold flat. The EX, or XL (Suburban) sized models don't need to fold flat. They essentially don't have to switch back and forth between third row and/or cargo space. They've got BOTH. I had a Denali XL for a while, until I just plain couldn't stand the unbelievable amount of service issues, and most of the time we kept all three rows of seats up and still had tons of cargo space. When the more typical-sized SUV has to fold the third row to gain cargo area, it should at least be easy and functional, IMO. The best SUV at a bargain price, IMO, is still the Honda Pilot. The best mid-priced SUV is the Acura MDX. The best high-end SUV at any price... well, that would create some debate here.... between Range Rover, Mercedes GL, Audi Q7, BMW X5, Escalade, and Lexus LX. My personal pick is the Range Rover for 5 passengers, and the Mercedes GL for 7 passengers. Somehow, as much as I love Porsche, I can't seem to warm up to the Cayenne. TagMan Replies to this message: gteach26 (Apr 06, 2007 2:06 pm) blkhemi (Apr 06, 2007 4:10 pm) brightness04 (Apr 06, 2007 5:13 pm) tagman (Apr 06, 2007 6:32 pm) brightness04 (Apr 06, 2007 9:11 pm) and 47 more...
#24412 of 24700 Re: If you look at the vehicles with fold-flat 3rd rows, [tagman] by gteach26 Apr 06, 2007 (2:06 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Apr 06, 2007 1:41 pm) Agree on the pilot... just not a very exciting suv. Ditto on the MDX -- nice vehicle inside and out -- feels a little cramped, though. As far as the HELC-type SUV's -- I would lean towards the GL and LX. Wife's got the new ML (the GL's smaller sibling)and we love it. The Porsche SUV just looks strange to me. Land Rover -- that's a question mark. I've sat in them a couple of times and the interior seems a little flimsy. Anecdotal evidence around here suggests that it is not very reliable, either.
#24413 of 24700 Didn't miss much, eh? by blkhemi Apr 06, 2007 (4:04 pm)
Looks like the gang is still at it. Not going to elaborate on it at all. I've been out of the country to do a "world tour", just back in time for the Masters. What's up with DCX and the Kirk Kerkorian deal? Will it really happen? Will Kerkorian finally get to be the head honcho at a car company, as it would be much to the dissatifaction to the brass of GM as he continually threw money at them to raise his interest in the company, only to have himself shuttered again? And to boot, he still didn't get Wagoner fired. And more to the point: Will this free up MB to explore more oppurtunities within the company? And will KK's $4-5bil be enough to suit Dr.K? BTW, since the Chrysler news took up so much of the headlines, Ford is again on the prowl to unload Jaguar COMPLETELY, not in pieces. The are meeting with the private sector investors to complete a deal worth billions. Where this leaves the fabulous new concepts is unknown.
#24414 of 24700 Re: If you look at the vehicles with fold-flat 3rd rows, [tagman] by blkhemi Apr 06, 2007 (4:10 pm)
Replying to: tagman (Apr 06, 2007 1:41 pm) Tag, I agree with most of your choices. But after a drive of the new Saturn OUTLOOK, I'm convinced that it has taken number one in it's class. Sure it is weighty, but the smooth ride and competent handling makes up for that. But the others are good choices.